RPC 'fully committed to opening doors' as firm marks fifth anniversary of apprenticeship scheme

International law firm has recruited 38 apprentices in legal and business services since 2018

RPC is celebrating the "wonderful contribution" of apprentices five years after the international law firm first launched its apprenticeship programme.

Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 6 to 12 February, the firm has hailed the success of the scheme, which has recruited 38 apprentices in legal and business services since 2018.

The firm's first Legal Apprenticeship Programme launched in Bristol, providing a two-year paralegal apprenticeship, followed by a five-year solicitor apprenticeship in partnership with Damar Training and The University of Law.

In 2019, RPC launched the UK Business Services Apprenticeship Programme, providing opportunities across IT, finance, design, brand, marketing and sales, secretarial, and people and talent development.

To date, 34 apprentices (90% of the total cohort) are either still completing their apprenticeship or stayed at RPC after completion. 
The programme has provided a pipeline for top talent from diverse backgrounds looking for an alternative way into legal, secretarial, and business services careers. 

Will Sefton, Partner Champion for Apprentices, said: "RPC is extremely proud of our apprenticeship programme and the last five years have shown that the firm is fully committed to opening doors for people from all backgrounds.

"Apprenticeships are a really important way for us to get high quality people into the firm, and they make a wonderful contribution to both our legal and business service teams."

Managing Partner James Miller said: "Having first launched in 2018, our apprenticeship scheme continues to go from strength to strength. We are pleased such a high percentage of our apprentices have moved into permanent roles at RPC and this success is a true testament to our inclusive workplace culture."

Millie Ash, a paralegal apprentice at RPC, added: "The legal apprenticeship is the future of the legal industry. 

"It provides the opportunity to start developing invaluable practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed from your very first day and you are able to learn from some of the top role models in the industry."